ANTIBIOTICS
Sometimes antibiotics are not needed to help you get better.
This is when you have a virus infection, because antibiotics don't
work against viruses
Here are some things you can do to make yourself feel better:
Stay at home and rest if you have a temperature (feel feverish)
Drink plenty of water or soft drinks
Take paracetamol, according to the instructions on the packet, to bring
down your temperature or if you are in discomfort
Speak to your local pharmacist about other remedies you can safely
take for your symptoms
Antibiotics are important medicines. They help you fight infections that are caused by bacteria. So we need to look after them
Why is this important?
Because bacteria are clever: they adapt and find ways to survive the
effects of an antibiotic. They become 'antibiotic resistant' so that
the antibiotic no longer works. The more we use an antibiotic, the
more likely it is that bacteria will become resistant to it. Put
bluntly, it means that antibiotics are becoming less effective at
fighting infections
Surely there are plenty of other antibiotics that can be used
instead?
Well, up to now, yes - but they may not be as effective, and they may
have more side effects. And eventually the bacteria will become resistant
to them too
Why is antibiotic resistance a problem now?
Firstly, it is becoming more common. Some bacteria are now resistant
to several antibiotics: they are 'multidrug resistant'. Secondly,
we cannot be sure we will always be able to find new antibiotics
to replace the old ones. In recent years fewer new antibiotics have
been discovered
So what can we do?
We can't stop resistance occurring, but we can do a lot to slow it
down and stop if spreading. We must look after the antibiotics we
have by using them carefully
How can we do that?
By not taking antibiotics when we don't need them. We now know that
many infections get better just as quickly without antibiotics - in
fact, antibiotics don't work against viruses. Remember, antibiotics
are not always the answer. Do not expect your doctor to prescribe antibiotics
for colds, or for most coughs and sore throats
How do I know if it is a viral infection?
Viral infections are much more common than bacterial infections. All
colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses
But colds always go to my chest. Surely I need an antibiotic
then?
Usually not. Most colds last about two weeks and end with a cough and
coloured sputum. You need to see your doctor, though, if your cough
lasts more than three weeks, or you become very short of breath or
develop chest pains, or you already have a chest complaint. You should
also see your doctor if you are worried about your symptoms
How will I get better quickly, if antibiotics are not the
answer?
There are usually remedies you can take to help ease the symptoms -
paracetamol, for example, or a cold remedy from the chemist. Ask your
pharmacist for advice
My children are always getting infections. What should I do?
Children do get frequent coughs and colds. This is normal, especially
when they start to mix with other children. Ask your pharmacist for
advice. If you are particularly concerned, do still go to your doctor,
but don't necessarily expect an antibiotic to be prescribed. Your
doctor may suggest an alternative treatment to help relieve their
symptoms
So when are antibiotics the answer? When might I need an antibiotic?
Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic when you need one, for example,
for a kidney infection or pneumonia. Antibiotics may be lifesaving
for infections such as meningitis. By not using them unnecessarily,
they are more likely to work when we need them
If I am prescribed antibiotics, should I stop taking them as
soon as I begin to feel better?
No. Take them as prescribed and finish the course, unless your doctor
or pharmacist advises otherwise. Antibiotic resistance is more likely
to develop if antibiotics are taken intermittently, for example, just
when you remember, or in too low a dose
Source: www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
